Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 1/12/2012

Question
My Father just had a metal stent placed, and is on Plavix, along with other medicines.  Are there any natural alternatives to Plavix, or any other medicine like it on the market?  I'm not finding any, it seems Plavix is the only choice.  That alone is extremely frustrating.  Thank you

Answer
Hello,
No, there are no natural alternatives to Plavix, that do exactly the same thing.  Sometimes, if it is prescribed for other reasons, alternatives may be acceptable, but for something like a stent there is nothing that is proven to safely work in the same way as the medication does.  While there may be some claims out there for certain supplements, there is no evidence that they will have the same action.  
Regards,
Dr Conner